Let the numbers do the talking.
Ankeny, IA vs Des Moines, IA
Ankeny, IA vs Des Moines, IA: What the data shows
Ankeny, IA is in Ankeny, IA while Des Moines, IA is in Des Moines, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, Ankeny, IA is the more affordable option at $293,000 median — $16,300 less than Des Moines, IA's $309,300. WYLT rates Ankeny, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Des Moines, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Ankeny, IA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Ankeny, IA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Des Moines, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Ankeny, IA has Low flood risk and Des Moines, IA has Low flood risk.
Des Moines, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Ankeny, IA scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus Des Moines, IA's 65/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Des Moines, IA has the higher school rating — Ankeny, IA rates 5.9/10 and Des Moines, IA rates 6.1/10.
| Category | Ankeny, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $293K ✓ Lower price | $309K |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $109K ✓ Higher income | $58K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 65/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 57/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 3/100 | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 min | 25 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.9/10 | 6.1/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesCommuters to Des MoinesRemote workers who need a quiet setting | young professionalsremote workerssmall families with kids |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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